ASTM D979/D979M-22

Overview

ASTM D979/D979M-22: Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Mixtures is an essential international standard developed by ASTM International. This practice sets guidelines for collecting representative samples of bituminous paving asphalt mixtures at different stages, including manufacture, storage, delivery, and in-place application. The primary aim is to ensure that sampling methods yield accurate and acceptable estimates of the material's nature and condition for subsequent testing and quality control.

Accurate sampling is as critical as testing itself, as it directly affects data reliability and the basis for construction decisions. The standard addresses practical procedures, safety, and the responsibilities of various parties involved in the sampling process. Note that this standard does not cover the sampling of compacted asphalt mixtures; for those applications, ASTM D5361/D5361M should be used.

Key Topics

• Sample Collection Locations

  • At the point of manufacture
  • During storage or transportation (e.g., truck or conveyor belt)
  • In place before compaction

• Responsible Parties

  • Developers for preliminary data
  • Manufacturers or contractors for process control
  • Purchasers or their representatives for acceptance or rejection

• Sampling Methods

  • Random selection procedures (referencing ASTM D3665)
  • Specific practices for sampling from conveyor belts, trucks, roadways, skip conveyors, stockpiles, and funnel devices

• Equipment and Tools

  • Sampling tools (shovel, scoop, containers)
  • Truck sampling devices
  • Approved non-stick release agents

• Quantities and Identification

  • Field samples comprise multiple increments for representativeness
  • Minimum sample quantities depend on aggregate size and tests to be performed
  • Accurate labeling for traceability, including project and source information

• Safety and Compliance

  • Users must adhere to appropriate safety, health, and environmental protocols
  • Independent use of SI and inch-pound units to prevent nonconformance

Applications

ASTM D979/D979M-22 is vital for numerous activities in the transportation infrastructure and road construction sectors, including:

• Quality Control: Verifying that asphalt mixtures meet project specifications during production and delivery enhances project reliability and durability.

• Acceptance Testing: Providing representative samples for laboratory tests helps owners and agencies make informed decisions regarding acceptance or rejection of materials.

• Research and Development: Collecting preliminary data on asphalt mixtures for mix design, performance analysis, and innovation in paving practices.

• Process Monitoring: Enabling contractors and plant operators to maintain consistent product quality and identify process variability.

This standard is widely adopted by transportation agencies, contractors, quality assurance labs, and organizations involved in highway and pavement construction.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to asphalt mixture sampling and testing, the following standards are commonly referenced alongside ASTM D979/D979M-22:

• ASTM D3665 - Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Materials
• ASTM D5361/D5361M - Sampling Compacted Asphalt Mixtures for Laboratory Testing
• ASTM D2041/D2041M - Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures
• ASTM D2726/D2726M - Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
• ASTM D6307 - Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
• AASHTO R 47 - Reducing Samples of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to Testing Size

Adhering to ASTM D979/D979M-22 helps ensure consistent, reliable results in asphalt mixture testing, supporting high standards for roadway construction and maintenance across the industry.

Keywords: asphalt mixture sampling, bituminous paving, ASTM D979/D979M-22, road construction, quality control, sample collection, pavement materials